The HBA expects its coaches to be aware of the seriousness of concussions and act cautiously when dealing with players who show any symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a free online training program that all HBA coaches are required to complete. Parents also are encouraged to take the course.

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION

As explained by the CDC, a concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth -- literally causing the brain to bounce around or twist within the skull. This sudden movement of the brain causes stretching and tearing of brain cell, damaging the cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.

HOW COACHES SHOULD HANDLE CONCUSSIONS

If a coach suspects a player has suffered a concussion during a practice or game, the coach must immediately remove the player from the court. The parents are to be notified and encouraged to have the player checked by a doctor. If the player is diagnosed with a concussion by their doctor, the player will be held out of activities until documentation from the doctor clearing the player is provided to the coach/HBA.

Coaches must notify a member of the HBA board via email when they are informed that a player has been diagnosed with a concussion.

HOW PARENTS SHOULD HANDLE CONCUSSIONS

If you suspect that your child has suffered a concussion, you should immediately notify a coach, who will remove the player from the court. If your child has suffered a concussion outside the HBA, you also should notify your child's coach. If a player has been diagnosed with a concussion by their doctor, the player will be held out of HBA activities until documentation from the doctor clearing the player is provided to the coach/HBA.